• Published on: Nov 12, 2021
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Are The Benefits Of Alkaline Foods?

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What are the benefits of Alkaline foods?

Alkaline foods are thought to be beneficial because they contain antioxidant properties, which help promote clean cellular function. Far more acidic than any other food group, the benefits of ailkalne foods seem primarily to reside in their potential to reduce acidity. By raising pH levels through increased intake of alkaline foods (vegetables), many believe that they can substantially increase their odds for improved physical and mental health. So by lowering blood acidity levels, it is believed that certain illnesses can be avoided, such as cancer or chronic degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease or osteoporosis.

A diet high in meat and dairy products is acidic, whereas an alkaline food diet includes more plant-based foods. A typical meal of animal protein might include a burger with beef, lamb, or bacon on the bun; cheese, lettuce, tomato, and raw onion on top; some processed sandwich meat like bologna or liverwurst as a side dish—with various condiments, such as hot sauce. The vegetables are corn chips with melted cheese for dipping. Drinking sweetened soda or fortified milk adds yet more sugar to this acidifying meal.

Foods that are alkalizing balance out these acids found in animal proteins by providing minerals to neutralize them. Alkaline foods are foods that contain alkaline minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Foods high in these particular alkaline minerals promote the balance of the body's pH levels, which allows the body to process acidic waste more efficiently.

The primary benefit of ALKALINE food is that it promotes efficiency in our constant struggle against dreaded acid. (namely, acids excreted through respiration)

  • -Alkaline foods can maintain a healthy pH balance in the body.
  • Eating alkaline foods can reduce inflammation and arthritis pain.
  • Alkaline foods can help prevent osteoporosis.

When acid levels in the body are too high, it's called acidosis, which causes cells to produce acids instead of proteins for energy production. The result is nutrient deficiencies and excessive toxin accumulation, leading to poor organ function. Complications may include diabetes or obesity or bone disorders like osteoporosis or arthritis pain, among others.

They help to maintain pH balance in the body. Acidic food brings more acidity to your body and this, over time, leads to an acidic environment that is harmful to the cells inside us and leads to deterioration of joints, teeth, and bones (osteoporosis). Alkaline foods make sure we have a good pH balance in our bodies. So, when we eat alkalizing foods, it prevents acidosis which can also lead to aches and pains that come with aging such as arthritis. It's very important for kids with growing bodies because it regulates their growth hormones thus preventing stunted growth or too much bone development - meaning they'll end up taller than average adults when they're fully grown!

Do you want to have more energy? Alkalizing foods are great for giving your body the necessary balance of vitamins, minerals, and other compounds so that it can function optimally.

This is because alkalizing foods are high in nutrients like magnesium, potassium, calcium. These nutrients increase metabolic efficiency so you need less food to produce substances that contribute to cellular homeostasis or balance within your body. The cells will then use their resources more efficiently and produce nourishing substances for themselves!  A saying goes "40% of all illness is caused by eating acid-forming foods" which means the decrease in pH levels causes a response from our immune system - making us more susceptible to illnesses due to viruses or bacteria.

Alkaline foods are foods that make the body's pH more alkaline. The human body is like a big ocean, with the stomach making up the ocean bed. The two types of acid that cause disease in humans are hydrochloric acid (HCl) and lactic acid (LAC). Vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes contain these acids as well as many minerals like magnesium which need to be present for proper enzyme function. If your diet consists too much of animal products, then you could be deficient in these important minerals until you consume them elsewhere. Thus, consuming plant-based foods will ensure adequate mineral intake whilst reducing fat intake and saturated fat intake at the same time!

Alkaline foods are best for people who have acidic bodies. As the alkalinity in the body increases, inflammation can decrease. Foods that are higher on the pH scale, which helps make the body less acidic include fruits and vegetables like pears, kiwis, pomegranates, blueberries, and plums. Other great options are green powders to add to your daytime meals. Nutgrass is also available for salads or other dishes you might be eating during that time of day. Raw apple cider vinegar may help ease acidity around food break time around 3 pm which usually means your stomach is upset and allows digestive problems into play if not treated with a good amount of water and soluble fiber at that moment in time

First, it's important to understand why being acidic is not a healthy thing. Chronic acidosis occurs when too much acid builds up in the bloodstream, which eventually leads to all kinds of illnesses and diseases.

So now that you know how bad things can get, let's talk about what Alkaline foods can do for you. The pH levels of our cells are tightly regulated by an influx of H+ ions that maintain homeostasis (a balance). When H+ ion activity increases (or decreases), meaning there are more (fewer) negatively charged particles than usual inside the cell (outside the cell), this alters cellular processes like metabolism or immune system function.

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Stress and Destress

10 Simple Ways to Deal with Stress and Destress Yourself

Stress has become an unavoidable part of modern life. Work pressures, financial concerns, family responsibilities and constant digital connectivity place continuous demands on the mind and body. While occasional stress is a natural response, chronic stress can negatively affect mental health, immunity, sleep, digestion and heart health.

The good news is that stress does not always require complex solutions. Learning simple, practical ways to deal with stress can significantly improve emotional balance and overall wellbeing. Below are ten effective, evidence-backed strategies that can be easily incorporated into daily life.

 

1. Practice Deep Breathing

Deep breathing activates the body’s relaxation response.

Try this:

  • inhale slowly through the nose
     

  • hold briefly
     

  • exhale slowly through the mouth
     

Even five minutes of controlled breathing can reduce heart rate and calm the nervous system.

 

2. Move Your Body Regularly

Physical activity is one of the most effective stress relievers.

Benefits include:

  • reduced stress hormones
     

  • increased endorphins
     

  • improved mood and sleep
     

A short walk, stretching or light exercise can provide immediate relief.

 

3. Maintain a Consistent Sleep Routine

Poor sleep and stress reinforce each other.

Healthy sleep habits include:

  • fixed sleep and wake times
     

  • limiting screen use before bed
     

  • creating a calm sleep environment
     

Quality sleep improves stress resilience.

 

4. Limit Overstimulation from Screens

Excessive screen exposure increases mental fatigue.

To reduce stress:

  • take regular screen breaks
     

  • avoid screens before sleep
     

  • reduce constant notifications
     

Mental rest is essential for emotional balance.

 

5. Eat Regular, Balanced Meals

Irregular eating and poor nutrition worsen stress responses.

Focus on:

  • regular meal timings
     

  • whole foods
     

  • adequate hydration
     

Stable blood sugar supports stable mood and energy.

 

6. Break Tasks into Manageable Steps

Overwhelm often comes from trying to do too much at once.

Simplify by:

  • prioritising tasks
     

  • focusing on one step at a time
     

  • setting realistic goals
     

Small progress reduces mental pressure.

 

7. Spend Time Outdoors

Natural environments have a calming effect on the mind.

Benefits include:

  • lower stress levels
     

  • improved mood
     

  • mental clarity
     

Even brief outdoor exposure can reduce anxiety.

 

8. Practice Mindfulness or Relaxation Techniques

Mindfulness helps anchor attention to the present moment.

Simple practices include:

  • body awareness
     

  • guided relaxation
     

  • mindful breathing
     

Regular practice reduces stress reactivity.

 

9. Stay Socially Connected

Talking to someone you trust helps process stress.

Social support:

  • reduces emotional burden
     

  • offers perspective
     

  • improves coping ability
     

Human connection is a powerful stress buffer.

 

10. Create a Daily Wind-Down Routine

Ending the day calmly helps reset the nervous system.

Helpful habits include:

  • light stretching
     

  • reading
     

  • journaling
     

  • listening to calming music
     

A consistent routine signals safety and relaxation to the brain.

 

Why Stress Management Matters

Chronic stress contributes to:

  • anxiety and depression
     

  • heart disease
     

  • digestive issues
     

  • weakened immunity
     

  • poor concentration
     

Managing stress early prevents long-term health consequences.

 

Why Stress Is Often Ignored

Stress is normalised because:

  • it develops gradually
     

  • symptoms are invisible
     

  • people equate stress with productivity
     

Ignoring stress increases burnout risk.

 

When to Seek Professional Support

Professional help should be considered if:

  • stress persists for weeks
     

  • sleep is severely affected
     

  • daily functioning declines
     

  • physical symptoms appear
     

Early support improves recovery.

 

Building Long-Term Stress Resilience

Long-term stress management depends on:

  • consistent habits
     

  • realistic expectations
     

  • self-compassion
     

  • regular recovery time
     

Resilience grows through daily practice, not perfection.

 

Conclusion

Learning simple ways to deal with stress does not require major lifestyle changes. Small, consistent habits such as deep breathing, movement, sleep regulation and mindful routines can significantly reduce stress and restore emotional balance. Stress is a part of life, but it does not have to control it. By incorporating these ten simple strategies into daily routines, individuals can destress themselves effectively and protect both mental and physical health in the long run.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Stress and Mental Wellbeing Guidelines

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Stress and Lifestyle Health Report

  •  National Institute of Mental Health – Stress Management Strategies

  • Lancet Psychiatry – Stress, Resilience and Mental Health Studies

  • Indian Journal of Psychiatry – Stress Reduction and Behavioural Health Research

  • Statista – Stress Trends and Workplace Mental Health Data

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